Light-Intensity Physical Activity and Medical Multimorbidity

Objectives No study has examined the association between objectively measured light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) and multimorbidity (>= 2 chronic diseases) in a national sample of US adults. I undertook this examination. Methods Data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used (N = 2048 adults 20 years old and older). Physical activity was assessed via accelerometry, with multimorbidity assessed via physician diagnosis and biometric screening. Results In a multivariable linear regression and after adjustments, for every 60-minute/day increase in LIPA, participants had a lower multimorbidity index (beta(adjusted) = -0.09, 95% confidence interval -0.12 to -0.05, P < 0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression and after adjustments, for every 60-minute/day increase in LIPA, participants had 13% (odds ratio(adjusted) 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.79-0.96, P = 0.01) reduced odds of being multimorbid (ie, having >= 2 morbidities). Conclusions LIPA, independent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, is associated with reduced odds of multimorbidity. As such, promotion of LIPA, as well as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, may be a sensible strategy to help prevent and treat multimorbidity.